The moon shone, shedding a ghostly light on the cave entrance. Fine silver shimmers spread over the cliffs, Expose the twinkling stars above your head, The evening breeze carried the chill at the bottom of the cliff, gently brushing against his pale cheeks.
"uh…. what's this Warm and viscous….." He let out a low moan in his throat, and as soon as his consciousness broke free from chaos, his fingertips felt a wet and slippery sensation with a piercing temperature.
He raised his right hand with difficulty, facing the moonlight pouring down from the entrance of the cave. The stickiness of his fingertips was nowhere to be seen under the silver glow, which was a sharp red color and blood with a rust smell.
What is this? 'His pupils shrank, and a sense of inexplicable panic rose in his heart as he instinctively lowered his head to look.
The moonlight shone completely on his body, and he was startled to realize that his abdomen had been fiercely pierced by a sharp stone spike. The dark red blood flowed slowly along the spike, already semi solidified into a dark brown scab, sticking to the fabric, causing excruciating pain at every movement.
HP-1 HP-1 HP-1... The green UI prompt is like a broken light point, constantly flashing in front of him. With each beat, he feels his body's strength being drained away, and his consciousness becoming increasingly dull.
What is this?! 'He clenched his fists fiercely, and the panic in his heart instantly amplified - this is the UI interface that only players have, but he clearly never had a stable player identity.
He suddenly remembered the turning point of 'wanting to merge now', which changed the whole world.
Long ago, a globally popular RPG fantasy game unexpectedly overlapped and merged with the real world. Without warning or anticipation, unknown forces swept through every corner, causing the once orderly world to crumble, with rituals and music collapsing, chaos and fear spreading throughout every inch of the earth.
The characters in the original game were called NPCs by people; Humans who used to live in reality have become players with special abilities There is an insurmountable gap between players' innate UI interface and exclusive skills that NPCs can never possess.
His father is a player and his mother is an NPC. In theory, he either inherits his father's player identity or becomes an NPC like his mother. However, he is an exception - like a bug in the world, his identity jumps back and forth between players and NPCs, without fixed abilities or a stable UI. Even the "（众理）crowd principle" cannot recognize his existence.
The 'crowd principle' does not approve of the current fusion, let alone recognizing him as an 'alien'. Therefore, monsters and demons from the fantasy world invade reality through the gaps of fusion, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil deeds. There are "gods" trying to intervene, but they have added another touch of blood to this world where rituals and music have collapsed.
"Haha, if you die here... you won't come back to life... "He tugged at the corner of his mouth, his voice hoarse and dry, with a hint of self deprecating laughter, joking about his absurd and unlucky situation.
Lingjianyuan（林见渊）.his name is Lingjianyuan. A 'Outliers' in a chaotic world whose identity cannot be determined.
In such a world, there is always a need for heroes to step forward, just like all clich é d storylines that cannot be any older. After the fusion, a large number of players who call themselves "heroes" have emerged in the world. They form teams, hunt monsters, and try to save this crumbling world. With his occasional ability to switch warlocks, he reluctantly joined a team of brave warriors, but at a critical moment of a monster raid, he was forcefully pushed down this bottomless abyss by his own team members.
The moonlight still shone, with a hint of cold tenderness. With trembling hands, he slowly grasped the stone spikes that pierced his body. The piercing coldness came from his fingertips, causing him to convulse all over, but he still didn't let go.
O messenger of the earth who transcends time and space, you carry the weight and resilience of the land... O goddess of the moon and the abyss, you cross the abyss and the end, giving me strength... "His voice was weak but exceptionally firm, silently singing a prayer that had long been forgotten in the depths of memory amidst the constantly jumping UI prompts.
With a soft 'pop' sound, a faint light suddenly appeared in his palm, spreading along his fingertips to the spikes. The originally hard stone spikes snapped and fell to the ground, making a dull sound.
The holy and bright angel, Lady Della, I bear your good fortune and blessings. Please heal my body... "The prayer continued, and the faint light in his palm gradually covered the wound on his abdomen, relieving the pain.
Thanks to my previous experience of secretly learning the recitation of a divine religion in an abandoned ruins. Oh, luckily I didn't reveal it to those so-called 'heroes' before, otherwise, I'm afraid I would have to explain it here today. 'He secretly rejoiced in his heart, with a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
He quietly looked at the mess in front of him, with broken spikes, semi-solid bloodstains, and scattered gravel, appearing particularly desolate under the moonlight. The dim moonlight at the entrance of the cave shone on the sharp spikes that were soaring into the sky. Half frozen blood flowed down from the top of the spikes, interweaving red and silver, like a strange and poignant painting.
Hehe, am I considered free now? 'He collapsed on the cold ground, exhausted from all his strength, gazing at the leisurely stars at the entrance of the cave. A heavy sense of drowsiness hit him, and his eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Finally, he closed his eyes heavily, letting his consciousness sink into darkness.
...….
With a soft 'pop' sound, a faint light suddenly appeared in his palm, spreading along his fingertips to the spikes. The originally hard stone spikes snapped and fell to the ground, making a dull sound.
The next day, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, Lin Jianyuan, who didn't know when he would wake up, with a hint of survival instinct, groped his way out of the cave. The sunlight at the entrance of the cave was somewhat dazzling, and he instinctively narrowed his eyes. It took him a long time to adapt before he could see the scene in front of him clearly.
The birds chirping in the forest is aimless, crisp and pleasant, with a hint of vitality. The fragrance of plants and trees comes uninvited, lingering at the tip of the nose, dispelling the coldness and bloody smell at the bottom of the cliff.
Faced with a forest landscape in front of him, lush trees, and swaying branches and leaves in the wind, he felt a "long lost" calmness, which was unprecedented in a chaotic world.
Hey boss, look! There's a high-level NPC in front of you! The taste is very unique, it can definitely sell for a good price! "
Just as he was immersed in this rare greenery, a discordant voice suddenly came from in front of him, rough and greedy, instantly breaking the tranquility of the forest.
No... this damn unlucky life... I could meet NPC black market hunters as soon as I came out! "Lin Jianyuan's heart sank and he cursed silently. Without any hesitation, he turned around and ran away - he knew too well the faces of these black market hunters, who specialize in capturing high-level NPCs and anomalies, selling them for profit, using cruel methods, and never showing mercy.
Let me see... this looks... five million!! Hurry up and chase! Don't let him run away! "The black market hunter in charge flashed a greedy light in his eyes, shouted loudly, and chased after him with his subordinates. The sound of footsteps and scolding echoed in the forest.
Hey, how did you see me... I've already restrained my breath! 'Lin Jianyuan ran desperately while feeling puzzled in his heart. The fallen leaves under his feet made a rustling sound, and the pursuers behind him were getting closer and closer. Oh no The road ahead is a dead end! 'He suddenly looked up and saw a steep cliff ahead, with no way out.
After a fierce chase, Lin Jianyuan was completely exhausted and trapped in a dead end by two black market hunters.
Hey... run... why aren't you running! "The leading black market hunter was wearing jeans and a white shirt, with an open neckline, panting heavily, and sweat beads all over his forehead. He was holding a thick wooden stick in his hand, looking very pulled, and the horizontal flesh on his face twisted, showing a wicked look.
Lin Jianyuan slumped on the ground, his chest heaving violently, gasping for breath. Two black market hunters, one left and one right, tightly blocked his retreat, their eyes full of mockery and greed.
Ah. 'He gasped for breath, and the grievances, anger, and unwillingness that had accumulated in his heart erupted in an instant. A hysterical emotion swept through his body, and he suddenly stood up, ready to smash towards the leading black market hunter, wanting to make the final resistance.
But he didn't want this black market hunter to give him no chance. With a fierce look, he took the lead.
Go to hell with you, "the black market hunter in charge shouted angrily, swung the stick in his hand round, and fiercely smashed it towards Lin Jianyuan's head.
His eyes darkened, and a severe pain came from his head. His consciousness dissipated instantly, and he knew nothing.
....
When he woke up again, the pungent musty smell intertwined with the noisy voices, entering his ears. The iron cage in front of me was cold and hard, and through the iron railing, I could see the noise and clamor below the stage. The voices of people were boiling and bargaining could be heard one after another.
The dazzling lights cast from afar made it impossible for him to open his eyes. Subconsciously, he narrowed his eyes and slowly adapted to the surrounding environment - this was an underground auction house, dark and damp, yet filled with the scent of money and desire.
The final item... a high-end male NPC! Unique scent, extremely rare, starting price of five million! "The sweet voice of the auctioneer, with a hint of excitement, spread throughout the entire venue.
Wu... "He moved his hand, and a cold sense of restraint came from his wrist, accompanied by the sound of the iron chain" clacking ". This was used as a auction item Ah, this life without doubt has no end. 'He smiled bitterly in his heart, his eyes filled with despair and numbness.
The auction venue is located underground in the city, hidden and chaotic. Originally, the people of the kingdom did not prohibit slave trading. After the fusion, players strongly opposed this cruel trade out of moral considerations, and the authorities also explicitly banned it. However, in this underground world, people still turn a blind eye and the slave trade continues to operate in secret, intensifying.
"Bid... 5 million... 5.1 million... 6 million... 10 million! Oh my god, someone here is actually bidding 10 million!! "The auctioneer's exclamation reached his ears again, with an incredulous tone, and the entire venue was instantly thrown into a commotion.
Bang - "The auction hammer struck the final sound, and the dust settled.
He raised his head with difficulty, his gaze piercing through the crowd, and took note of his buyer - a girl wearing a violet Lolita dress, with soft violet long hair, delicate eyebrows and eyes, elegant temperament, as if from a noble background, holding a sign and calmly looking at him, with a subtle strangeness hidden in her eyes.
Then, a sudden scream rang out, and the lights in the entire venue suddenly dimmed, plunging into pitch black. Chaos erupted in an instant.
Before he could react, he felt a soft hand covering his mouth. The force was not strong, but it was irresistible. Then, he was gently dragged out of the auction house, and the noise in his ears gradually faded away, leaving only hurried and light footsteps and a hint of imperceptible panic.
.....
'How many times have my opened my eyes? '
Lin Jianyuan rubbed his swollen temples, feeling a hint of annoyance in his heart.
In front of me is a Roman style medieval elegant office, decorated with carved wood and cold toned glass, so quiet that you can hear your breath.
On the top of the red leather sofa across from her sat the noble girl with violet hair, sitting elegantly and dignified, with a calm and calm temperament as old.
On the back of the sofa, there was a witty and elegant brown haired man in a suit leaning diagonally, with a relaxed posture but not lacking in propriety.
"Welcome to the Vser Association... Hello, er, this unknown NPC gentleman. I am Venera, and this is my assistant, Angert Shesta" She has a sweet voice and elegant behavior.
Angert Shesta lazily leaned back on the sofa and nodded gently at him in a cool posture, as if greeting him.
"Hey?""
Lin Jianyuan was completely stunned. "What kind of luck did I have today!?"
"Ah... please don't panic, sir. We have no ill intentions, "Venera saw his expression calm and quickly waved his hand to appease him.
"So... what's the situation? "His brain almost stopped functioning.
"Speaking of which, this is my first action with Angert, a complete success"
After speaking, he reached out and lightly clapped with Angert, his tone full of ease. "The association is committed to recruiting partners in various ways, with the goal of making the world a better place again."
"What's going on with that shopping mall?"
"The auction house... I deliberately attracted attention in the front court, while Angert quietly stole you away in the back court. Don't worry, everything at the auction has nothing to do with you. Now, you can choose to join the association."
"Do I have any other room for maneuvering?"
"Of course not."
"..."
Venera smiled innocently and continued, "It's very simple. For now, you just need to help us with the odd jobs.
....
Lin Jianyuan held the list handed by the girl in his hand and walked alone on the street, reminiscing over and over everything that had just happened.
I really don't know how it suddenly came to this point... Life is really strange. '
He pressed his painful forehead, feeling both absurd and real.
On the streets, people of all kinds shuttle back and forth, with humans, orcs, and other ethnic groups mixed together, dressed in various strange and imaginative styles.
But because of the 'Fusion world', this is not simply an RPG world - in the magnificent fantasy, it is mixed with modern openness and simplicity, and the two atmospheres are wonderfully intertwined.
He carried a list and wandered around the streets and alleys, searching for the items he needed while silently getting to know this unfamiliar yet vibrant 'fantasy city'.
Speaking of which, these two are really peculiar
Lin Jianyuan couldn't help but laugh.
Speaking of which, these two are really unique. With such confidence and trust in my abilities, I can find a place alone in this unfamiliar place and smoothly buy back these things... "Lin Jianyuan couldn't help but mutter to himself in his heart. He lowered his head and looked at the items on the list - there were spirit herbs for grinding magic potions, special metals for repairing association equipment, and several seemingly ordinary items marked" need to be purchased through special channels ".
Just as he was thinking about it, he was suddenly attracted by a commotion. He looked up and saw several people wearing black cloaks surrounding a young fox girl on a nearby street corner, with a fierce tone and weapons in their hands. It looked like another group of black market hunters were snatching magic crystals from the fox girl.
Lin Jianyuan instinctively wanted to turn around and dodge - he was now in a difficult situation and didn't need to meddle in other people's affairs, but looking at the fearful eyes of the fox girl, he remembered his embarrassment of being pushed into the abyss and chased, and the hidden goodwill in his heart couldn't help but surge up.
He quietly hid at the entrance of the alley, his fingertips subconsciously condensing a faint light - at some point, his identity quietly switched to player mode again, and a faint UI prompt flashed in front of him, showing a weak magic value. Fortunately, I still have some strength. 'He whispered in his heart, his gaze fixed on those black market hunters, pondering ways to save them.
At this moment, one of the black market hunters seemed to notice something and suddenly turned his head to look at the entrance of the alley, sternly scolding, "Who's there? Come out
Lin Jianyuan's heart tightened. Knowing that he had been discovered, he decided not to hide anymore and slowly walked out of the alley, pretending to be calm on his face but with a hint of vigilance in his eyes: "I was just passing by and didn't mean to disturb you
The few black market hunters looked at him up and down, seeing that he was dressed in ordinary clothes and had a faint aura. A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. The leader sneered, "Passing by? I think you want to meddle in other people's affairs, right? Those who know how to deal with things should leave quickly, otherwise you will be arrested and auctioned off together
Lin Jianyuan clenched his fist, and the faint light at his fingertips became even more apparent. He secretly thought to himself, 'It seems that this meddling cannot be avoided.'. 'He looked up at the black market hunters and said coldly, "Release him and I'll leave".
"You refuse a toast only to choke on a beating!" the lead black-market hunter roared, gesturing his men forward. "Seize him! More NPCs mean more coin, and that's just perfect!"
Several black-market hunters lunged at Lin Jianyuan at once, their weapons glinting with a cold, harsh light. Lin Jianyuan twisted sideways to evade them, and a faint glow suddenly erupted from his fingertips as he chanted a short prayer in a low voice. He did not use powerful magic—for one thing, his mana was insufficient, and for another, he did not want to expose his abilities as a warlock. He only wished to end the trouble quickly and save the fox-girl.
"Barrier of the earth, shield me from harm."
As the prayer fell, a pale yellow earth barrier materialized before him, blocking the hunters' attacks. At the same time, he swept his hand upward, and several weak light blades shot toward the black-market hunters. They were not fatal, but more than enough to render them temporarily immobile.
"How is this possible? You're just an NPC—how can you use magic?" The lead black-market hunter stared at Lin Jianyuan in utter shock. They had never seen an NPC capable of magic. That was precisely what made Lin Jianyuan special—and the reason Venirian and Angert had taken an interest in him.
Lin Jianyuan did not reply. Taking advantage of the hunters' stunned silence, he hurried to the fox-girl's side, took her hand, and whispered, "Come with me. Quickly."
Amid the chaos, the two fled the street corner, weaving through alleyways until they had completely shaken off the black-market hunters. Only then did they stop, gasping for breath.
"Th-thank you, sir," the fox-girl lifted her head, tears still glistening in her eyes. Her small hand clutched tightly at Lin Jianyuan's tunic, her voice filled with gratitude. "My name is Ahu. I'm a herbalist. Those men were trying to steal my magic crystals—they're for my mother's medicine."
Lin Jianyuan looked at her young face, and his heart softened. He gently stroked her head. "It's all right now. They won't catch up to us." He glanced down at his list, and his eyes suddenly lit up—the spirit herbs he needed were exactly the kind Ahu was skilled at identifying.
"Ahu, do you know spirit herbs?" Lin Jianyuan asked softly.
Ahu nodded vigorously, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "I do! I've been gathering herbs with Mother since I was little. I know every kind of spirit herb there is!"
Lin Jianyuan smiled and held out the list. "Then could you help me find the ones on this list? Once we do, I'll give you a reward to help pay for your mother's treatment."
Ahu glanced quickly at the list and nodded at once. "Yes! I know all of these. I'll take you to pick them. They grow in the woods outside the city—plenty of spirit herbs there, and no black-market hunters!"
Lin Jianyuan's heart leaped with joy. He had not expected to stumble across someone who could help him. He ruffled her hair gently, his tone warm. "Good. Let's leave now. The sooner we gather them, the sooner you can return to your mother."
The two walked side by side through the alleys. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting fine specks of light over them and chasing away some of the chill. Lin Jianyuan looked at the small figure beside him, and a strange feeling stirred in his chest. For the first time in this chaotic world, he had encountered such pure kindness—and for the first time, he thought that perhaps joining the Newth Society might not be such a bad thing after all.
They hurried toward the woods outside the city. The wind along the way grew fresher, carrying the scent of grass, trees, and spirit herbs. Ahu moved through the forest with practiced ease, her fingertips brushing the wild plants at the side of the path. Before long, she identified several spirit herbs from the list, carefully digging them up with her small trowel and placing them neatly into her cloth pouch. Lin Jianyuan followed behind, helping her organize the herbs while keeping a sharp eye on his surroundings, fearing they might run into the black-market hunters again.
Before long, they had gathered more than half the herbs on the list. Ahu sat down on a blue stone to rest and said quietly to Lin Jianyuan, "Sir, Mother used to bring me here often to gather spirit herbs. She said they not only heal sickness but also suppress the malice of the 'Universal Principle.'"
Lin Jianyuan's heart jolted. He pressed for details, but Ahu only shook her head, a blank look crossing her eyes. Her mother had never spoken much of her past.
At that moment, several green UI prompts flashed before Lin Jianyuan's eyes, and his mana fluctuated for no reason. He tensed immediately—someone was spying on them in the dark. He instantly shielded Ahu behind him, gathering a faint glow at his fingertips, and scanned the surroundings warily. From the shadows of the woods, several figures in black cloaks stepped forward: the very same black-market hunters they had escaped, now joined by two more black-cloaked men with far stronger auras.
"Run, why don't you?" the lead hunter sneered, his eyes filled with malice. "Who would have thought a freak like you would dare meddle in our business? Today, we'll not only take the little fox but also bring you back to find out just what you are!"
Lin Jianyuan clenched his fists. He knew a brutal fight was inevitable. He patted Ahu's shoulder gently and whispered, "When I distract them, run back to the city at once. Find Venera of the Vser Society."